Procurement Specialist at Centre for Community Development and Research Network (CCDRN) - 2 Openings

Center for Community Development and Research Network (CCDRN) is a local Non-governmental organization (NGO) in Nigeria with its head office in Kaduna. CCDRN partners with communities, philanthropists, government, and donors to provide sustainable community development services in the areas of conflict resolution, peace building, economic empowerment, agriculture, health, education, and governance. With funding from humanitarian donors, programs are implemented to engage in several interventions, including but not limited to food assistance, livelihoods, cash transfers, and capacity building of humanitarian response actors.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Procurement Specialist

Locations: Kaduna North - Kaduna and Yobe
Employment Type: Full-time

Job Summary

• The Procurement Specialist will be responsible for managing and coordinating all procurement activities across CCDRN's area of operations, ensuring compliance with organizational policies, donor requirements, and national procurement regulations.
• Based at the Kaduna Head Office, the specialist will develop and implement procurement strategies, manage vendor relationships, oversee supply chain operations, and ensure cost-effective acquisition of goods and services.
• The role requires extensive coordination with project teams, the finance department, and field offices to support the timely and efficient delivery of program activities while maintaining transparency and accountability in all procurement processes.

Key Responsibiltiies
Procurement Planning and Strategy Development:

• Develop comprehensive annual procurement plans aligned with project requirements and organizational objectives across all CCDRN operational areas.
• Conduct market analysis and research to identify reliable suppliers and establish framework agreements for frequently procured items.
• Prepare procurement forecasts based on project needs and budget allocations to ensure timely resource availability.
• Establish and maintain procurement calendars to coordinate purchasing activities with program implementation schedules.
• Design procurement strategies that promote local sourcing where appropriate while ensuring quality and cost-effectiveness.

Procurement Process Management:

• Lead the entire procurement cycle from requisition to delivery, ensuring compliance with CCDRN policies and donor guidelines.
• Prepare and review procurement documentation, including Request for Quotations (RFQs), Request for Proposals (RFPs), and Invitation to Tender (ITTs).
• Coordinate bid evaluation committees and ensure transparent and fair evaluation of vendor proposals.
• Negotiate contracts and agreements with suppliers to secure favorable terms while maintaining quality standards.
• Process purchase orders and ensure the timely delivery of goods and services to project locations.
• Maintain comprehensive procurement tracking systems to monitor order status and delivery schedules.

Vendor Management and Development:

• Establish and maintain a comprehensive vendor database with regular performance evaluations and updates.
• Conduct vendor pre-qualification assessments and due diligence to ensure reliability and capacity.
• Build strategic partnerships with key suppliers to ensure supply continuity and competitive pricing.
• Organize vendor orientation sessions on CCDRN procurement procedures and compliance requirements.
• Address vendor complaints and disputes in a professional and timely manner.
• Implement vendor performance monitoring systems and provide feedback for continuous improvement.

Compliance and Quality Assurance:

• Ensure strict adherence to organizational procurement policies, donor regulations, and Nigerian public procurement laws.
• Conduct quality inspections of received goods and coordinate with technical teams to verify specialized equipment.
• Maintain proper documentation and filing systems for all procurement transactions for audit purposes.
• Implement anti-fraud and anti-corruption measures in all procurement activities.
• Ensure procurement activities align with ethical standards and promote fair competition.
• Coordinate with internal audit teams during procurement reviews and implement recommended improvements.

Financial Management and Cost Optimization:

• Work closely with the finance team to ensure budget compliance and proper allocation of procurement expenses.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities through bulk purchasing, framework agreements, and strategic sourcing.
• Monitor market prices and trends to ensure competitive pricing and value for money.
• Prepare procurement financial reports, including commitment tracking and budget utilization analysis.
• Support budget preparation by providing accurate cost estimates for goods and services.
• Implement cost-benefit analysis for major procurement decisions.

Supply Chain and Logistics Coordination:

• Oversee inventory management systems across all CCDRN warehouses and storage facilities.
• Coordinate with logistics teams to ensure efficient distribution of procured items to field locations.
• Monitor stock levels and initiate replenishment orders to prevent stockouts.
• Implement proper storage and handling procedures for each supply category.
• Ensure proper documentation of goods receipt, storage, and distribution.
• Coordinate customs clearance for international procurement when required.

Cross-functional Collaboration and Support:

• Collaborate with program teams to understand project requirements and provide procurement solutions.
• Support field offices in emergency procurement situations and provide technical guidance.
• Coordinate with the HR department for recruitment-related procurement services.
• Work with the IT team for technology procurement and licensing requirements
• Liaise with the administration for facility management and general service procurement.
• Support MEAL teams in collecting procurement-related data for reporting purposes.

Capacity Building and Knowledge Management:

• Develop and deliver procurement training for staff across all CCDRN offices.
• Create procurement guidelines, templates, and standard operating procedures for organizational use.
• Mentor junior procurement staff and support their professional development.
• Stay updated on procurement best practices and innovations in the humanitarian sector.
• Document lessons learned and share knowledge across the organization.

Risk Management and Contingency Planning:

• Identify and assess procurement-related risks, including supply chain disruptions and market volatility.
• Develop contingency plans for critical supplies and establish alternative supplier networks.
• Implement measures to prevent procurement fraud and ensure transparency.
• Monitor security situations that may affect procurement and logistics operations.
• Establish emergency procurement procedures for rapid response situations.
• Maintain buffer stocks for critical items based on risk assessments.

Reporting and Documentation:

• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual procurement reports for management and donors.
• Maintain accurate records of all procurement transactions in compliance with audit requirements.
• Document procurement processes and decisions for institutional memory.
• Prepare procurement sections for project proposals and donor reports.
• Generate procurement analytics and dashboards for decision-making.
• Ensure timely submission of procurement data to relevant stakeholders.

Qualifications and Skills
Education and Professional Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Procurement, Logistics, or related field.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Professional certification in procurement (CIPS, CILT, or equivalent) is highly desirable.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in procurement, preferably in humanitarian or development organizations.

Technical Competencies:

• Strong knowledge of procurement principles, practices, and international standards.
• Proficiency in procurement software and ERP systems.
• Experience with donor procurement regulations (UN, USAID, EU, DFID, etc.).
• Understanding of Nigerian procurement laws and regulations.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel for data analysis.
• Knowledge of supply chain management and logistics operations.

Core Competencies:

• Excellent negotiation and contract management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• High level of integrity and commitment to ethical procurement practices.
• Excellent communication skills in English, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in documentation.
• Cultural sensitivity and ability to work with diverse suppliers and stakeholders.

Additional Requirements:

• Willingness to travel to field locations within CCDRN operational areas (up to 30% of time).
• Ability to work in a fast-paced humanitarian environment.
• Flexibility to respond to emergency procurement needs outside regular working hours.
• Knowledge of local languages in Northern Nigeria is an advantage.
• Understanding of humanitarian principles and conflict-sensitive procurement approaches.

Application Closing Date
7th November, 2025.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their cover letter and resume detailing their qualifications and experience relevant to the role to: hr@ccdrn.org using "Procurement Specialist" as the subject of the email.

Note

• Late applications will not be considered.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• CCDRN strongly encourages women to apply.
• CCDRN is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from qualified female candidates.
• All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability status, or any other protected category.